Kirsty Shalders - Social Worker:

I left the sun-scorched land of OZ to arrive in the winter windy city of London and it has been a blast. After working in Western Australia as a Social Worker since 2001 I decided that it was time to venture out of my work in the area of Drug and Alcohol addiction and into the field of Children and Families in the Big Bad City. I have to admit I was rather apprehensive at first and worried about the stupidest little things but believe me it will all fall into place.

I travelled around Europe and after running out of money rang Amicus who I had previously joined with prior to leaving OZ and asked them to arrange a job for me ASAP and of course they did. Since that they have become my surrogate parents. Taking me out for lunches, getting me awesome pay, offering great training opportunities, ringing me to see how I am coping with the transition.

The agency has been extremely supportive especially when it came to organising a Limited Company (to get more money), arranging a bank account and alleviating any concerns I had about living and working in the UK. I would have to say they are actually more than just an employment agency. And I can't forget important social events such as last years Christmas and New Year party (headache).

Well you are probably asking what about the work, I have to say many things are actually quiet the same and all the information you get sent to at the start is a little overwhelming but it start to sink in when you begin working. My work colleagues are easy going and everyone is very welcoming and eager to lend a hand and the accents are hilarious "you know what I mean".

There are numerous Australian pubs when you are feeling a little home sick or speciality Aussie food shops that have delicacies such as Samboy Chips. So pack that bag get some good walking shoes and just jump on that plane. So I hope to see you at the next social function, this is Kirsty reporting from the London Borough of Camden.

Kirsty Shalders

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